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Island's rocket range jobs saved Island rocket range jobs 'saved'
(about 1 hour later)
Scottish Secretary Jim Murphy has told workers at the missile range on Uist the UK government has abandoned plans to close the site. Scottish Secretary Jim Murphy has told workers at the missile range on Uist that the UK government has abandoned plans to close the site.
His announcement was greeted by cheers from the 125 staff of contractor QinetiQ - who had faced jobs cuts.His announcement was greeted by cheers from the 125 staff of contractor QinetiQ - who had faced jobs cuts.
The UK government had been warned that closing the site - the island's largest private employer - would collapse the local economy.The UK government had been warned that closing the site - the island's largest private employer - would collapse the local economy.
The Western Isles base is operated for the Ministry of Defence by QinetiQ.The Western Isles base is operated for the Ministry of Defence by QinetiQ.
There had been fears the site was to be closed after a job advert appeared on QinetiQ's website seeking applicants to a post running the Hebrides range remotely from South Wales.
'Utmost credit'
Mr Murphy held talks with Defence Secretary Bob Ainsworth on Monday before making arrangements to fly to the Western Isles.
He told staff the decision was taken after balancing the need for MoD cost cuts against the impact closure would have on the local economy.
A taskforce made up of councillors, politicians and islanders campaigned against closure.
Their efforts were applauded by Labour Highlands and Islands MSP Peter Peacock.
He said: "The local task force and community are to be congratulated on their fantastic campaign and Jim Murphy and his Westminster colleagues deserve the utmost credit for doing a great job for the islands."